|
Avian Flu Defined
Avian influenza is an infection caused by avian
(bird) influenza (flu) viruses. Many experts believe that avian
influenza could mutate into the next pandemic flu.
Avian influenza viruses occur naturally among
birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses in their intestines
but usually do not get sick from them. However, avian influenza is
very contagious among birds and can make some domestic birds,
including chickens, ducks and turkeys, very sick and kill them.
People can contract avian influenza by coming
into contact with birds that are already infected with the virus.
The current avian flu outbreak in humans is caused by the highly
pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus. H5N1 is deadly to birds and
humans. Humans have no immunity to the H5N1 virus and no vaccine
is available.
Current Avian Influenza Outbreak
As of August 23, 2007, there were 322 human cases and 195 deaths
from avian influenza in Azerbaijan, Cambodia, China, Djibouti,
Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Nigeria,
Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam.
Avian Flu Surveillance
The US Wild Migratory Bird plan was created by wildlife disease
biologists, veterinarians and epidemiologists to provide a
standard system for monitoring wild migratory birds in the United
States.
 The
plan targets North American birds that have the highest risk of
being exposed to or infected with H5N1 (avian flu) because of
their migratory patterns. These birds are mainly wild ducks and
geese.
Scientists believe that the first case of avian
flu in domestic birds in North America will occur in Alaska due to
the mixing of Asian and North American birds.
The United States may also see its first case of
Avian Influenza due to illegal smuggling of infected birds into
the country, traveling of infected people or people traveling with
virus contaminated materials such as clothing, cages and other
bird care products.
The U.S. Wild Migratory Bird plan follows five
strategies of monitoring wild birds throughout the nation but with
increased attention on Alaska.
In the United States over 70,000 wild birds have
been tested and the highly pathogenic H5N1 (avian flu) has not
been found.
For additional information on avian flu visit:
|
